Shri Jagannath Aarti – Lord of Puri's Divine Aarti Lyrics and Significance

Shri Jagannath Aarti Lyrics (हिंदी में)

आरती श्री जगन्नाथ मंगल कारी ।
आरती श्री बैकुंठ मंगलकारी ।
मंगलकारी नाथ आपादा हरि ।
कंचन को धूप दीप ज्योत जगमगी ।
अगर कपूर बाटी भव से धारी ।
आरती श्री जगन्नाथ मंगल कारी ।
आरती श्री बैकुंठ मंगलकारी ॥

घर घरन बजता बाजे बंसुरी ।
घर घरन बजता बाजे बंसुरी ।
झाँझ या मृदंग बाजे, ताल खनजरी ।
आरती श्री जगन्नाथ मंगल कारी ।
आरती श्री बैकुंठ मंगलकारी ॥

निरखत मुखारविंद परसोत चरणारविंद आपादा हरि ।
जगन्नाथ स्वामी के अटको चढ़े वेद की धुवानी ।
जगन्नाथ स्वामी के भोग लागो बैकुंठपुरी ।
आरती श्री जगन्नाथ मंगल कारी ।
आरती श्री बैकुंठ मंगलकारी ॥

इंद्र दमन सिंह गजे रोहिणी खड़ी ।
इंद्र दमन सिंह गजे रोहिणी खड़ी ।
मार्कंडेय स्व गंगा आनंद भरि ।
आरती श्री जगन्नाथ मंगल कारी ।
आरती श्री बैकुंठ मंगलकारी ॥

सरनार मुनि द्वारे तदे ब्रह्म वेद भानी ।
सरनार मुनि द्वारे तदे ब्रह्म वेद भानी ।
धन धन ओह सुर स्वामी आनंद गढ़ी ।
आरती श्री जगन्नाथ मंगल कारी ।
आरती श्री बैकुंठ मंगलकारी ॥

Shri Jagannath Aarti – Transliteration (English)

Aarti Shri Jagannath Mangal Kaari,
Aarti Shri Baikunth Mangalkaari,
Mangalkaari Naath Aapaada Hari,
Kanchan Ko Dhoop Deep Jyot Jagmagi,
Agar Kapoor Baati Bhav Se Dhaari,
Aarti Shri Jagannath Mangal Kaari,
Aarti Shri Baikunth Mangalkaari ॥

Ghar Gharan Bajata Baaje Bansuri,
Ghar Gharan Bajata Baaje Bansuri,
Jhanjh Ya Mridang Baaje, Taal Khanjari,
Aarti Shri Jagannath Mangal Kaari,
Aarti Shri Baikunth Mangalkaari ॥

Nirakhat Mukharwind Parsot Charnarwind Aapaada Hari,
Jagannath Swami Ke Atako Chadhe Ved Ki Dhuvani,
Jagannath Swami Ke Bhog Laago Baikuntapuri,
Aarti Shri Jagannath Mangal Kaari,
Aarti Shri Baikunth Mangalkaari ॥

Indr Daman Singh Gaje Rohini Khadi,
Indr Daman Singh Gaje Rohini Khadi,
Markandey Sva Ganga Anand Bhari,
Aarti Shri Jagannath Mangal Kaari,
Aarti Shri Baikunth Mangalkaari ॥

Saranaara Muni Dwaare Tade Brahm Ved Bhaani,
Saranaara Muni Dwaare Tade Brahm Ved Bhaani,
Dhan Dhan Oh Sur Swami Anand Gadhi,
Aarti Shri Jagannath Mangal Kaari,
Aarti Shri Baikunth Mangalkaari ॥

Meaning & Significance

The Shri Jagannath Mangal Aarti is the most sacred devotional hymn sung before the Lord of the Universe at the Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha. The word Jagannath is composed of 'Jagat' (universe) and 'Nath' (Lord) - making Him the sovereign of all creation. This aarti declares Him to be the dispeller of all calamities (Aapaada Hari), the resident of Vaikuntha (the divine realm), and the recipient of pure offerings - golden incense, camphor flames, and the smoke of sacred woods rising like Vedic chanting before His lotus face and feet. The mention of the Vedas, sages, and celestial beings in the aarti reflects the universal grandeur of this deity, who is worshipped across all traditions and by devotees of all backgrounds.

Sung at the Mangal Aarti before dawn and at major moments of temple ritual, this aarti fills the pilgrimage town of Puri with a devotional vibration that has resounded for over a thousand years.

About Shri Jagannath

Shri Jagannath is the presiding deity of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the Char Dhams of Hindu pilgrimage. His form - distinctive, with large round eyes and a truncated body - is understood as a manifestation of both Vishnu-Krishna and, in certain interpretations, as a deity who transcends sectarian boundaries to embrace all devotees equally. He is worshipped alongside His elder brother Balabhadra (Balarama) and younger sister Subhadra. The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, when the three deities are drawn through the streets of Puri in massive wooden chariots, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims annually. The tradition holds that even sight of the Lord during the Rath Yatra or within the temple grants liberation (moksha).

Benefits of Reciting the Shri Jagannath Aarti

• Connects the devotee with the ancient, living tradition of the Jagannath Puri temple and its blessings.
• Believed in the tradition to remove accumulated past karma and protect devotees from calamities.
• Cultivates a universal, non-sectarian spirit of devotion that transcends caste, region, and background.
• Regular recitation establishes inner peace and a sense of divine support in daily life.
• Especially auspicious during Rath Yatra, Snana Yatra, and all Ekadashi tithis in the Odishan calendar.
• Deepens appreciation for India's rich temple culture and the unique iconographic tradition of Puri.

How to Perform the Aarti (Pooja Vidhi)

1. Place an image or murti of Lord Jagannath with Balabhadra and Subhadra on a clean altar.
2. Offer yellow flowers, sandalwood paste (chandana), fresh fruits, and mahaprasad (cooked rice or sweets if available).
3. Light a ghee diya and incense; ring the bell to begin the ritual.
4. Hold the aarti thali and perform gentle circular movements before the deity while chanting the Mangal Aarti.
5. Blow a conch shell (shankha) if available, as is the tradition in Jagannath worship.
6. Conclude with the Jagannath Ashtakam or simply bow with joined palms, distribute prasad, and offer silent gratitude.

Best Day & Time to Recite

The Jagannath Mangal Aarti is ideally performed at the auspicious Mangal Muhurta before sunrise, mirroring the temple ritual at Puri. All Ekadashi tithis are especially sacred for Jagannath worship. The entire period of Rath Yatra (usually in the Ashadha month) is considered the most powerful time for devotional recitation of this aarti. Thursdays, associated with Vishnu, are also recommended for regular Jagannath puja. Devotees in Odisha and across India maintain a tradition of Jagannath bhajan throughout the Kartik month as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Lord Jagannath have such a distinctive form with large eyes?

The iconography of Jagannath - with His large, all-seeing eyes, round face, and incomplete limbs - is explained through several traditional narratives. One popular account describes how King Indradyumna commissioned the deity's creation and how the divine craftsman (Vishwakarma) was interrupted before completing the form. This 'unfinished' appearance is seen as symbolic of the Lord who is beyond all material completeness, whose eyes encompass the entire universe, and whose gaze bestows liberation upon whoever beholds it.

What is Mahaprasad and why is it special at Puri?

Mahaprasad is the sacred food cooked daily in the Jagannath Temple kitchen, which is considered the world's largest. Prepared in large earthen pots using traditional methods, the prasad is believed to be cooked by the divine will of Jagannath Himself and is unique in that it carries no ritual impurity; it may be shared among devotees of all backgrounds, reflecting Jagannath's non-discriminatory grace. Accepting Mahaprasad is considered a profound blessing by pilgrims at Puri.

Can this aarti be performed at home even if one has not visited Puri?

Yes. Lord Jagannath's grace is not confined to a geographical location. Thousands of devotees worldwide maintain home shrines dedicated to Jagannath and recite this aarti daily. The Lord is worshipped with the understanding that sincere devotion offered anywhere reaches Him directly, and the aarti serves as a living link to the temple's ancient tradition.